UNBROKEN!

 

 From frontliner and booklover, Keith:

 For anyone interested in WWII history, and intense survival narratives, there is no book better than Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.  I can honestly say that this book was the best book I read in all of 2011 (and best biography I have read in my entire life).  I know that is high praise, and I know that saying something like that, sets the book up to be overhyped and then disappoint the reader. If that ends up being the case...if I end up overhyping this story, and you end up disliking the book, I sincerely apologize.

The book is about a man named Louie Zamperini, and essentially, the book falls into 4 parts: Louie the Athlete, Louie joins the War, Louie the Survivor, and finally Post-War Louie. I'm not going to give any major plot details away, but the things that Louie goes through as a WWII veteran are incredible. The book is so well written that at times you forget you are reading a biography and mistake it for a novel. 

One of the most refreshing things about the biography, is that Laura Hillenbrand doesn't try to show Louie only in a positive light. Yes, he is the main character and the hero of the story...but he is still a flawed man. He makes mistakes, he screws up a lot, and there are times when he is mean, nasty and unbearable. But those instances make him who he is, and make his character and story that much more believable and enjoyable. He is not just a one-dimensional character who never does anything wrong as is the case with many biographies.  He is REAL. We can relate to him.  He is human.

 

Another pleasant aspect of the biography is, while Louie is the main character, he is not the only character. Other characters get introduced and Laura dives into their back stories as well. As we get to know Louie, we get to know his friends, acquaintances and even his enemies. By the end of the book, you feel like you became a part of the story, and were right in the middle of the war, survivng alongside Louie and everyone else.

 

I do need to warn you however, as great as this book is, this is not a Christian book. From what I understand, Laura Hillenbrand is not a Christian author, and, seeing as this is a WWII story, there is language and moments which are cringe-worthy, and even profane. Not to say that there is anything explicit, but there is language throughout the book which may make people uncomfortable.The story doesn't shy away from talking about death, and how many people died. It doesn't glorify it, but it does talk about it. 

 

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book. Over the Christmas holidays, I got my father to start reading this book, as he is somewhat interested in history. He usually doesn't enjoy reading much, but I thought he might enjoy this book anyway. He LOVED it, and I ended up buying him a copy for Christmas. He didn't finish it while he was visiting, but he made it nearly halfway through, and we would always talk about what was happening in the book, laughing about the jokes and discussing the incredible moments. 

 

While God is not mentioned a lot throughout the book, when you look back over the story, it is evident that his hand is present in everything. God is there. Read this book. Be encouraged by the sheer determination and survival instincts of an incredible man. Read in awe at the amazing events that happen to Louie (even before he goes off to war). As you read, watch for the hand of God. Pay close attention to all the times that God shows up. And most importantly...enjoy the story. Hang on for a wild, unbelievable and yet amazing true story!

Who knew slivers could be good?!?!

This year I have a goal…to spend more time reading. With life ever busy it is easy to cut out the time spent curled up in your favourite chair reading. I wondered why?  There certainly are a number of reasons one may choose to occupy their limited time with other activities but for me it is often a matter of timing….by the time my day is done, I am tired and my eyes don’t focus as well. New glasses will hopefully fix this problem so I can go back to my love of a good book. When I read, I learn…when I learn I am a better more rounded person. Seems like a no brainer.

This week I started toward that goal with a new biography, A Chance in the World by Steven Pemberton. I love reading about people’s lives & circumstances. After scanning the back I promptly started to read the first page. From that moment I was enthralled and horrified at this young orphan boy and his life. 

Taken from an unsafe home at age three, Steven continues to live a terrifying existence. He was placed with a foster family that can only be described as monsters and there his life & memories began.  As he grew, he wondered about his ‘real’ family, determined to unravel the mystery of his birth. The answers would not come until years later. Hiding also became a prominent part of Steven’s existence, some of that time hiding was spent in a cold dank basement, reading books given to him by a kind neighbour(imagine not being allowed to read upstairs) ….it was there he learned about hope, about different ways of living and a love for learning. It was there he found his escape. Throughout the years Steven tells of small kindnesses from strangers, the help of a few teachers and social workers and the incredible grace of God that made him a man of resilience and determination.

As evening turned to early morning, I knew I just had to finish this story…about 2 am I laid the book down but still could not sleep.  I was overwhelmed by the idea that such small slivers of kindness or caring could so drastically have impact on this young man’s life.  A woman gives him a box of books after seeing him under a tree reading. The impact of those books carries through his whole life. A nurse comforts him after a horrific ‘accident’. The kindness in those words stays with him into adulthood. These are only 2 small instances, yet they were instrumental in changing a boy’s life.  If that is the case, imagine what you (& I) have the ability to accomplish without even knowing it!!

~Denise

 A Chance in the World~ Steven Pemberton

Mark and Marriage

One of the greatest perks of working in a bookstore is that we get to take books home to read. As long as it's  returned in perfect condition, we don't have to purchase it.  If I sold bed linens or egg beaters, or dishwashers, I bet I wouldn't be allowed to do that. I think that Purdy's Chocolates does allow its employees to eat as much candy as they want, knowing that they will soon be "fed-up"  Mercy.  How did I get from Mark Driscoll's new book on marriage to Purdy's Chocolates? Well, I do love both.

I was given a preview copy of  Real Marriage last fall. Co-written by Mark Driscoll and his wife Grace, this is hands down one of the best books on marriage I have ever read. Sub-titled "The Truth about Sex, Friendship, &  Life Together", it covers all of these topics most satisfactorily. It releases today in Canada, and high time too!

I did blush as I read, as in typical Driscollian fashion, Mark is very open and direct.  I am quite shy about discussing matters of s - e - x in public places, but Mark is not. He and Grace have counselled thousands of folks over the years.  It is out of those years of ministry to both the healthy and hurting that he and his wife have addressed issues that pre/post/currently married people will appreciate. Mind you, he pulls no punches. He is blunt and sarcastic, especially when referring to "boys that shave".  Mark doesn't have much patience with them.

The pages contain a mighty call to MAN UP! Be the man, the husband, the father, the guy that God created you to be! Get a Bible! Get a job! Get a clue!
 

And both Grace and Mark speak frankly to women. Mark apologizes early on in the book for his harsh, dogmatic advice to women in his early days of ministry.  His loving, growing relationship with his wife has clearly tempered his views and expectations. But he does not let us off the hook! There is no ambiguity about what he believes God is saying to women. 

Both Driscolls recount stories of their life, love and learning together. Mark refers to himself as a high maintenance, drama queen of a husband. For years, Grace "served" him, all the while bottling up resentment and hurt. A victim of sexual abuse herself, she shares from the heart about how that experience affected her relationship with Mark.  They write out of the depths of their pain and mistakes and personal process and rather than shaming us, they give us the gift of hope.

I love their emphasis on friendship. They would both agree that they are each other's best friend, and that close intimate friendship affects every other part of their marriage.

Watch Mark and Grace talk about their book, their marriage and the plans to take this message to the world.  ~~Becky

Notorious Sinner

All is Grace by Brennan Manning, is on one level a very ordinary biography of a christian "personality". But on a much more important level, it is a life long tribute to God's grace - in spite of alcoholism, divorce, and many other obstacles. 

Beginning with a difficult, love-deprived childhood, moving through military service to catholic seminary and into an amazing ministry, Brennan is a living, breathing testimony to the reality that God gifts and uses flawed and sinful people. In fact,  he called his support group for the final years the "Notorious Sinners"....a tribute to their desire to support each other in spite of "the sin that easily besets us". ~~Rick

Bibles Bibles Bibles

The most recent issue of National Geographic celebrates the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. What perfect timing as we celebrate the first coming of the One who is spoken of in those Scriptures. 

In more "Bible" news, it was tremendously encouraging to read in Joel Rosenberg's latest email that  Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will soon be hosting a weekly Bible study in his home. Wow. I could hardly believe my eyes. After all these years, the Bible is still revered, read, studied and followed, even by folks who would not call themselves "Christians". 

At our last staff meeting, Rick, who works in our Bible Reference Dept., highlighted two Bibles that you will want to know more about.  The first was the English Standard Version (ESV)  Student Study Bible.  One of the many preachers who recommends the ESV is Mark Driscoll.  I watched him preach from it last Sunday.  He has been preparing sermons from the book of Luke for the last 2 years and says that the ESV Study Bible is the best out there.  

Rick says, "For many people the ESV Study Bible represents the "highwater mark" in study Bibles. Experts like John Piper have called it the "best study Bible ever". However it is massive -- two million words, 2700 pages -- enough weight to make it a chore to carry around. It is also more comprehensive than many people want or need.  But.... the ESV Student Study Bible is a great alternative! It is shorter, more fun and basically an edited version of the notes that made the ESV Study Bible the incredible source that it is.  For people who want a good study Bible, don't let the word "student" throw you....shouldn't we all be students of the Word?"

The second version Rick told us about was the recently updated New International Version (NIV).  "Zondervan recently revamped the NIV translation, and they have used this opportunity to expand and revamp their study Bible as well. It is now more colourful, laid out better and more attractive. Don't assume that it is the old NIV Study Bible in a new cover. Check it out!"

Full colour maps and illustrations give this well loved and much used version a whole new look and voice.  Hear Professor Douglas Moo, Chair of the Committee on Bible Translation share his perspective.

A new Bible makes a wonderful gift at Christmas time. Come and see what we have for yourself.
~~Becky

Book Discovery!

It has been awhile since we have posted on this blog.  Life here at the store has sped up as the season of Christ's birth has approached.  We are happy to resume letting you know about books we love and recommend.  The following is from Lando's daughter Aimee. Lando and his wife Kathy own the store and have obviously passed on their love of books to their family.

Today while I was at my parents' bookstore I made a great children's book discovery.

If you've ever read Brennan Manning, then the theme in this book will come as no surprise to you.  It is about God's wide reaching, all encompassing love and how nothing we can do can separate us from it.  The story is set in Mexico with a beautiful couple playfully engaging with neighbourhood children, asking them questions, making food together, laughing.

The children in the story learn that God is the giver of all good things and that he cares about every part of their lives.  I love the illustrations, the setting, the way the couple relates so respectfully to children, and how God is portrayed.

Probably the thing I want most for Anders, Elijah and Eva is that they would know that they are surrounded by God's love. Always. I'm grateful to have found this book to help remind them.

This book will be a Christmas gift for our kids, but I can hardly wait to give it to them.

If you're interested too, you can buy this book, Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love by Brennan Manning from my dad's store -they do mail order: House of James